We are encouraging Canadians to make 2013 the year to take care of hearing health. In doing so, we are listing our top 10 new year's resolutions for healthy hearing. Coming in at number 9 is taking precaution against an ongoing and often aggravating trend.

#9 Resolution for Healthy Hearing: Quiet Restaurants

The decibel level at restaurants has spiked dramatically in recent years. More casual dining environments and more seats in tighter spaces has led to louder eateries, which impacts our hearing.

"We don't expect restaurants and malls to be as noisy as a sports arena or a concert hall, so we don't take the precautions to protect our hearing that we might in situations where we have been conditioned to face excessive noise," says MJ DeSousa, our Director of Professional Practice.

We suggest finding quieter restaurants and dining earlier in the evening, when bars and restaurants are going to be less crowded and not so boisterous.

To find out more about the hearing risks associated with loud restaurants click here.